Filming for the second series of fantasy drama Atlantis has started in Chepstow, the BBC announced today.

Jack Donnelly returns as Jason, with Mark Addy back as Hercules and Robert Emms reprising the role of Pythagoras.

The series launched on BBC One last autumn with an opening episode that pulled in a Live +7 audience of 8.4 million viewers, making it the biggest new Saturday-night drama series launch across all channels since Robin Hood in 2006.

The finale of the first series saw Paisphae, played by Sarah Parish, revealed to be Jason's mother. Parish, who also features in series two, is currently filming scenes that involve a dramatic shift of power in the kingdom, said the BBC in a press statement that added:

Pasiphae's desire to reign has not abated and rivalry with stepdaughter Ariadne takes her to new depths. Jason's personal involvement with Ariadne is surely a complication for Pasiphae, but will the knowledge that Jason is her flesh and blood weaken her resolve?

Also returning to the drama are Aiysha Hart as Ariadne and Juliet Stevenson as The Oracle, as well as new additions Vincent Regan as Dion and Amy Manson as Medea. Guest appearances are to be made by Robert Pugh (Game Of Thrones, The White Queen) and Peter de Jersey (Broadchurch, Holby City) in episode one.

It's wonderful to have everyone back in the studio together as we prepare to take Atlantis to new places in series two. We have some exciting new additions joining our exceptional cast and some surprises up our sleeve that we can't wait to unleash on the Atlantis audience later this year.

BBC executive producer Bethan Jones added:

It was a delight to see so many of the BBC One audience take Atlantis to its heart and we are thrilled to be returning with more adventures this year. The vision is as ambitious as ever and, building on the amazing sets in the Chepstow studios, the series will continue to deliver a visual treat for viewers, along with a deeper insight to the characters that drive the drama.

Atlantis was recommissioned by BBC One controller Charlotte Moore and Ben Stephenson, the controller of BBC Drama Commissioning. It is made by Urban Myth Films for BBC One through BBC Cymru Wales and co-produced by BBC America.

The programme is written by Howard Overman and executive-produced for Urban Myth Films by Capps and Murphy.